Fort Wayne vs Terre Haute: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Terre Haute, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Terre Haute, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,220 | $140,198▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.05 | $67.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,426▲ | $81,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,444 | $110,819▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,610 | $170,414▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,784 | $202,918▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Terre Haute, IN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Terre Haute is $6,978 (5.24%). Terre Haute's median is -0.29% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $98,358,Terre Haute spans $121,603. Terre Haute has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Terre Haute ($153,558 effective) pays 6.70% more than Fort Wayne ($143,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Terre Haute if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,198/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,918)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,558)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Terre Haute over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$112,090 (2019) → $129,390 (2025)
Terre Haute, IN
$119,867 (2024) → $136,167 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Terre Haute, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Wayne or Terre Haute?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Terre Haute?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Terre Haute as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Fort Wayne vs Terre Haute?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov